DeAngelo & DePhillips Resolution Urging FCC to Take Temporary Measures to Secure Broadband Access During COVID-19 Goes to Governor

(TRENTON) – Helping ensure those affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency can effectively practice social distancing, the Senate approved a bipartisan resolution on Thursday. Passed 63-0 by the full Assembly on Monday March 16, 2020, the measure now heads to the Governor’s desk.

The joint resolution (AJR-158), sponsored by Assembly members Wayne DeAngelo (D-Mercer, Middlesex) and Christopher DePhillips (R-Bergen, Essex, Morris, Passaic), calls upon the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to take temporary measures to secure broadband access.

The bill’s sponsors released the following joint statement:

“As the number of school and business closures increase in order to have their students or employees work from home to mitigate COVID-19, the need for a fast and reliable internet connection has grown significantly. For those in self-quarantine, internet access is also vital to remain in communication with doctors via telemedicine services. And so, FCC action to alleviate accessibility issues, especially for residents living in rural and low-income areas with limited connectivity, is of utmost importance.”

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